AMGA Foundation Launches New Initiative to Increase Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Care for Patients with Obesity

Alexandria, VA – AMGA Foundation, supported by an independent grant from Lilly, will launch a 19-month initiative focused on helping medical groups develop and implement strategies to increase the number of people with obesity who receive a formal diagnosis, evidence-based comprehensive care, and education on the importance of long-term sustainable outcomes and closing care gaps on routine preventative care.

The Obesity Management Quality Improvement Collaborative is designed to provide a platform for participating organizations to improve the diagnosis and care of patients with obesity through the development and implementation of quality improvement projects, best practices sharing, and peer-to-peer learning.

“AMGA members see the impact obesity has on every aspect of a person’s health and well-being. With over 42% of U.S. adults affected by obesity,1 it’s critical that we treat it as the chronic disease it is—using evidence-based strategies and a compassionate, patient-centered approach,” said John Kennedy, MD, AMGA Foundation president and AMGA chief medical officer. “Improving diagnosis and care isn’t just about managing weight; it’s about improving lives, reducing complications, and supporting long-term health outcomes.” 

“Healthcare system barriers can prevent patients from receiving evidence-based obesity care,” said Leonard Glass, MD, FACE, Senior Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health. “As part of Lilly’s commitment to improve patient care and outcomes, we are pleased to be supporting this healthcare improvement initiative.”

The following medical groups and health systems were selected to participate in the Collaborative:

• Advocate Health – Midwest
• HealthPartners
• Novant Health
• Ochsner Health
• SIMEDHealth
• UC San Diego Health

Participating organizations will have access to a National Advisory Committee, a panel of subject matter and clinical experts who will guide participants in the development of their quality improvement initiatives and provide educational content. In addition, they will have access to resources and activities from the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC, https://www.obesityaction.org) and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE, https://pro.aace.com/), official partners of the Obesity Management Quality Improvement Collaborative.

The Collaborative began in July 2025.

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About AMGA Foundation
AMGA Foundation is AMGA’s philanthropic arm that enables medical groups and other organized systems of care to consistently improve health and healthcare. AMGA Foundation serves as a catalyst, connector, and collaborator for translating the evidence of what works best in improving health and healthcare in everyday practice. Learn more at amga.org/foundation.

About AMGA
AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of healthcare in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of medical groups’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, cost-effective care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans. Learn more at amga.org.

References
1.    CDC. Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023. cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db508.htm